30. Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the distribution of newspapers, including those papers specially produced for the troops, has often been unsatisfactory in North Africa; who is responsible for the distribution of papers, and whether he will inquire into this question?
§ Sir J. GriggThe military authorities in North Africa are responsible for the distribution of all newspapers. I can assure my hon. Friend that they appreciate the need for providing as many as possible, and have shown great enterprise in providing what papers they can for the troops with the very limited transport available to forward areas.
Mr. AstorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while excellent papers are being produced, the system for distributing them to troops in the forward areas has not been satisfactory? Will he look into the matter?
§ Sir J. GriggI did look into it on the spot, and I cannot accept the statement of my hon. Friend that the system of distribution is not now satisfactory. It is, of course, always difficult to get enough paper to produce sufficient copies.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the last 18 months this question of the distribution of newspapers has been carried out first by the Signals Corps, then by the Welfare Branch, then by the R.A.S.C., and then by the Ordnance Corps? Does that not show a certain amount of confusion?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not think that it shows anything except that continual efforts are being made to improve distribution.
§ Major John MorrisonIs my right hon. Friend not aware that among the troops there is considerable feeling that they get their news very late?
§ Sir J. GriggI think my information is more up to date than that of my hon. and gallant Friend, and I am not aware of any such thing.
§ Sir I. AlberyWhich system was in force when my right hon. Friend visited North Africa?
§ Sir J. GriggThe latest one.
§ Sir I. AlberyWhich was that?